The new Ormond and Bentleigh railway stations opened today two days ahead of schedule following a construction blitz to remove three level crossings at North, McKinnon and Centre roads.

“This is the first time in Victoria’s history that three level crossings have been removed at the same time an incredible effort by everyone, who worked around the clock to make our roads safer and less congested.” Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said.

“In less than 18 months, we’ve removed four level crossings in Melbourne’s south-east, and started work on getting rid of another 15.”

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos today at Bentleigh railway station to celebrate the station’s early opening with local passengers. McKinnon railway station opened earlier this month.

Work to build the new railway stations has continued since more than 1,000 staff worked around the clock for 37 days to remove the crossings and lower the line so trains could run safely under Centre, McKinnon and North Roads.

While Frankston line trains resumed on 1 August, trains will now be able to stop at Ormond and Bentleigh stations. Express services on the Frankston line will resume on Monday 5 September.

“Three new stations built and three dangerous level crossings gone. The new Ormond and Bentleigh stations will make it easier for passengers to catch the train and get where they need to safer and sooner.” Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos said.

VIC Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

“We know disruptions have made it hard for our community recently, so a celebration later this year is a small way for us to say thank you to everyone for their goodwill and patience.”

Local commuters will benefit from new seating, shelters, electronic signs, myki machines and Protective Services Officer facilities at the stations.

In the coming months, final works will take place at all three stations to install lifts, rebuild station car parks, and complete landscaping. The much-loved palm trees which were temporarily rehomed will be returned to the area by the end of September.

Throughout June and July, hundreds of people made the most of the bridge decks over the former level crossings to watch the construction progress of this massive project, which was delivered six months early.

Community project ‘thank you’ celebrations will be held at all three of the new stations later this year to mark the completion of these works.